This Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese is a hearty and cheesy recipe, which is made with lean ground beef and a tangy tomato sauce. It’s the ultimate one-pan comfort food, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened. Drain off any excess fat.
- Create the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional hot sauce into the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Macaroni: Pour the beef broth and the uncooked elbow macaroni into the skillet. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cover the skillet and let it cook for 9–10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, directly from the skillet.

Recipe Tips
- How do I keep the macaroni from getting mushy? Don’t overcook it. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, so keep an eye on it and test it at the 9-minute mark. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- What’s the best cheese to use? A good quality sharp cheddar that you shred yourself will provide the best flavor and the creamiest melt. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain starches that can make the sauce grainy.
- Can I make this less sweet? Yes. The sweetness comes from the ketchup and brown sugar. You can reduce the brown sugar or use a ketchup with no added sugar to suit your taste.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Small shells, rotini, or cavatappi would also work well in this one-pan dish, as they are great for catching the cheesy sauce.
What To Serve With Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese
This is a very hearty, all-in-one meal that doesn’t need much else. It pairs well with simple, fresh sides.
- A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- A side of pickles or coleslaw
How To Store Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions.
Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Can I make this spicier?
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Ham And Cheese Loaf Recipe
Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Stovetop6
servings10
minutes20
minutes550
kcalThe ultimate comfort food mashup, this one-pan meal combines a classic Sloppy Joe filling with creamy macaroni and cheese for a family-friendly dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
2 cups beef broth
8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet; drain the fat.
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and hot sauce.
- Add the beef broth and the uncooked macaroni. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for 9-10 minutes, until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For the creamiest sauce, use freshly shredded cheese from a block.
- Be careful not to overcook the macaroni; it should be al dente.
- You can easily adjust the sweetness and spice level to your preference.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh for the optimal creamy texture.
